Family of 7 visiting England for 14+ months, location suggestions?

Thanks Dennis -

That will be a big help!!

Hi there and welcome from me.

Paul is of course 'batting on his own wicket' as we say here, and why shouldnt he?  However, if you look at the latest pictures on this site of nearby Stoke Newington it may tell a different storey England has lots of diverse charming destinations and many, unlike the area described by Paul, arent overcrowded by hoards of tourists and over inflated prices. It is also untrue that contrary to what they have you believe (those who have never lived north of Watford) there is plenty of wealth in the North (after all we created it during the Industrial revolution when the south consisted of peasant farmers). I support the beautiful North West (although there are many equally beautiful areas). You will find outstanding landscapes, facinating History and the friendliest warm people in the north of the country. Housing is less expensive, as is airtravel so get off the overcrowded and some might say over-rated tourist traps and live with real Englishmen for a while, bet you'll come back!e 

We'd like suggestions on locations, regions and/or counties to live in that:

- would be historic, educational, and rich in (true english) culture (without a McDonald's Burger Joint PLEASE!). Not possible.

- has reasonably priced 4 bedroom homes and such to rent (let) in an area that is relatively close to other equally culturally rich areas. Unlikely.

- isn't too far off the beaten path allowing for easy (public) transportation (bus & rail) to London or another major metro areas. Maybe.

- isn't economically distressed, but isn't terribly expensive to live in. Unlikely.

Welcome to England Joel...lol

Well all, thanks to those of you who've been kind enough to have made suggestions.

We've selected a smallish town called Chester, in Cheshire as our home "base". Lots of factors seemed to make this location the best for all 7 of us.

Any suggestions about things to see and do in and around Chester/Cheshire would be fun.

Thanks again.